Category Archives: Kids & Family

The holidays have passed, and the weather is frigid- what’s there to do to burn off some pent-up energy? Plenty! Not only does Lancaster have beautiful outdoor resources for hiking, biking, and exploring, we also have loads of indoor adventures as well. Come check out some of the locations below to start off the new year with active, healthy activities that will keep you busy all day long.

Escape. On Queenescapeonqueen.com
Not all adventures are physical, some challenge your mind as well. See if you and your crew can solve all the clues and get out before your hour is up!

Go ‘N Bananasgonbananas.comYou name it, and you can probably find it at Go ‘n Bananas. With their Ball-o-city, laser maze, mini-bowling, and indoor ropes course, spin zone, and laser tag, you can spend all day here with the kids.

Indian Echo Caverns & Echo Dellindianechocaverns.comSo, this isn’t technically indoors, but at least it’s warmer. Down in the cave the temperature remains at 52 degrees Fahrenheit allowing you to engage your inner explorer. Allowing you to check out what’s under the earth for a change of scenery, tours generally last 45 minutes.

Lancaster Ice Rinklancastericerink.orgWhat better winter activity is there than ice skating? Head over to Lancaster Ice Rink for public skating sessions, or sign up for one of their learn-to-skate or learn-to-play hockey clinics. Even though its chilly in there, we will bet you will still work up a sweat.

LANCO Fieldhouselancofieldhouse.comIf you thought LANCO Fieldhouse was just for indoor soccer practice, you stand corrected. LANCO Fieldhouse also offers bubble-ball, and if that is not challenging enough you can also try zombie ball, kickball, dodgeball, or king/queen of the ring. So, gather your group and head over.

Laserdomelaserdome.comLaser tag at the Laserdome is like an adventure in another galaxy. You and your crew can battle it out in the giant alien space ship arena all afternoon. Each game session is 40-minutes long.

Rocky Springs Entertainment Centerrockysprings.netRocky Springs Entertainment Center has a number of indoor activity options including bowling and laser tag. Plus, there is no need to worry about lunch, stop in their Red Pin Bar & Grill for a delicious meal.

Sky Zone Trampoline Parkskyzone.com/lancasterEver wish you could dunk like Mike Jordan or flip like Simone Biles, you can at Sky Zone (or you can at least try)! This indoor trampoline park is fun for little ones and adults alike, you can literally bounce off the walls. Sky Zone offers a number of activity options such as open jump, dodgeball, or fitness classes.

Spooky Nook Sportsspookynooksports.comYou don’t need to be a gym member to check out all the awesome indoor adventures at Spooky Nook. Being the largest indoor sports in America, there is plenty to do. We suggest you take on their 15-foot rock-wall, or try the obstacle-loaded Clip ‘N Climb course.

Tiny Towntinytownpa.comDo you have little ones in tow? They need to burn-off energy too! Head over to Tiny Town for an adventure that they can create with their own imaginations. This indoor play-place for children is all hands-on created to inspire curiosity and creativity.

The holiday season is a joyous time of the year, but we all know it can be stressful. Every year December flies by – we blink and suddenly it’s Christmas. But it’s never too late to delight in the season! Take some time away from the madness to reconnect with your favorite people. Grab your friends or family, hop in the car, and take a break from the stress with this very merry scavenger hunt.

Here are a couple of quick rules before you get started:

1. We need evidence! You must take a photo or video at each stop as proof.
2. Everyone in the car must participate.
3. You don’t have to complete the scavenger hunt in order, but for each item you complete and share with us on Instagram, you will be entered to win.

Five merry winners, chosen at random, will receive a $50 gift card to one of the following:

Use #discovertheholidays when you post your videos or photos on Instagram and be entered to win a sweet gift card to a local restaurant. Contest runs through December 31, 2017. Winners will be chosen and contacted on or around January 2, 2018.

There are so many signs of the holiday season here in Lancaster. Stores put up their holiday displays, the Mayor officially lights the tree downtown, and gingerbread and peppermint flavored goodies start appearing everywhere.

Nothing quite puts me in the mood for the season like the lights displays. Especially when holiday budgets are tight, driving around to see neighborhood lights can be a less costly tradition.

With the help of our friends over at LancasterOnline, and the local community, we’re providing a map below for you – so pile in the car, turn on some holiday tunes (or tune to the station noted for a synchronized performance), and enjoy!

November offers the best of both seasons in Lancaster – the last of the fall festivities plus the beginning of the winter holiday celebrations. It’s a wonderful month where you can go for a drive to enjoy the final colors of fall at the beginning, and start the holiday preparations toward the end, with a delicious turkey dinner in between.

Whether you’re holding on to the harvest season or are ready for mistletoe and holiday spirit, there’s something for you in Lancaster this November.

Troops & Trains | Railroad Museum of PennsylvaniaNovember 4-5To honor veterans and current service men and women, Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania’s Troops & Trains features military relics, patriotic music, and displays detailing the significant role railroads played in the defense of our nation.

Eastland Alpacas Open House | Eastland AlpacasNovember 4-5 & 11-12Get up close with the furry friends at Eastland Alpacas during their Fall Open House. After you meet and feed the alpacas, take a wagon ride around the farm or hop aboard the barrel train. The Farm Store will be open to purchase warm alpaca wool gifts.

Thanksgiving Day Tour | Strasburg ScootersNovember 23Gobble gobble! Before turkey time, take a spin around the county on a scooter to experience the Lancaster countryside and covered bridges with Strasburg Scooters. This Thanksgiving Day tour is the perfect adventure before your scrumptious dinner.

Holiday Shopping:

Museum Store Holiday Open House | Landis Valley Village & Farm MuseumNovember 18It’s never too early to start your Christmas Shopping, and Landis Valley has just the event for you. The Museum Store’s Open House features one-of-a-kind holiday items including ornaments, Pennsylvania German Paper Stars, wooden bowls, beautiful textiles, Belsnickels, and more.

Creatively Lancaster’s Markers Market | Tellus360November 18Shopping for someone who loves one-of-a-kind gifts? This is the event for you! Creatively Lancaster’s November Makers Market will feature local artists, hobbyists, crafters, creators, designers and more, selling their uniquely crafted wares. While you browse this pop-up shop, enjoy a pint of beer or cider from Tellus360.

Small Business Saturday | Various LocationsNovember 25While we’re fans of shopping local every day of the year, consider kicking off your holiday shopping on the Saturday following Thanksgiving at some of Lancaster’s independently owned shops and boutiques. You’ll find goodies from kitchen wares, spices, tea and olive oil to locally crafted accessories and jewelry.

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas | Dutch Apple Dinner TheatreNovember 16 – December 31Get in the holiday spirit with dinner and a show at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre, as they bring Irving Berlin’s White Christmas to life. Your toes will be tapping to the Christmas classics as you enjoy this festive favorite.

Mayor’s Tree Lighting & Tuba Christmas | Penn SquareNovember 24‘Tis the season for the Mayor’s Tree Lighting & Tuba Christmas in Lancaster City. Santa Claus will make his annual appearance in Penn Square, followed by the official lighting of the tree and beautiful Christmas carols performed by the tuba choir.

Can you believe it is prime pumpkin picking season again?! We are loving the cooler temps and boots and scarves weather. As you drive around Lancaster, you’ve probably noticed that the roadside stands have switched over from their summer strawberries and melons to fall’s apples, pumpkins and squash. Whether you’re picking up a pumpkin at a roadside stand or headed out into the field to find the perfect one, we’re here to help.

Below is a roundup of Lancaster-area pumpkin patches, as well as some local choices for roadside stands. Please remember to call ahead if you have concerns about the weather or possible closings. We hope your fall is off to a fantastic start, and happy pumpkin patching!

September brings the beginning of fall, cooler weather, pumpkin flavored goodies, and great events to Lancaster. It’s time for football tailgates and evenings at the farm show, as the days get a little bit shorter and the air gets a little bit crisper. Whether you’re a local discovering what’s in your own backyard or in town to explore during the weekend, you’ll find something that strikes your fancy and gets you in the mood for fall’s exciting offerings.

Check out our list of 10 things to do this month in Lancaster (just to name a few):

Day Out with Thomas™ at Strasburg Rail Road™ | September 16-24Thomas the Tank Engine is back in town for railroading fun. Join Thomas and his pal Percy for a ride on the historic railroad, activities, and more. This is a “must-do” for families with little train lovers. They’re sure to remember the time they got to meet Thomas the Tank Engine himself.

Fall Bluegrass Concert at the Vineyard at Grandview | September 9
Sit back and enjoy an afternoon in the vineyard featuring live bluegrass music, locally-crafted wines and brews, and tasty fare from local food trucks. Two great bluegrass acts, Porthouse Yard and Hog Maw, will provide lively entertainment to keep your toes tapping.

Restaurant Week in Lancaster City | September 18-24
Explore the diverse culinary offerings Lancaster City has to offer during Fall Restaurant Week. Participating restaurants offer deals from $10 to $40 for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including some offerings created just for this week. Be sure to come hungry, and share your delicious moments using #LCRW2017.

Wool Frolic at Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum | September 16
Are you a fan of knitting, crocheting, or other fiber arts? Find yarn of every texture and color, fleece, and more at this artsy event. Crafting demonstrations will be going on throughout the day, along with hands-on activities for kids.

Fall Antiques Extravaganza in Adamstown | September 28 – October 1
Find dozens of antique shops including outdoor markets as you explore the Antiques Capital in Adamstown. Browse the plethora of wares as dealers and shops extend their hours for this weekend. If you’re looking for that one-of-a-kind item, chances are you’ll find it here.

The whole family will love…

Tailgate Festival at Kitchen Kettle Village | September 15-16
Touchdown! Time to get in the spirit of football season at Kitchen Kettle’s sports-themed festival. There will be tons of tasty homemade tailgate foods to sample, activities for kids and adults to enjoy, and lively musical performances along the shop-lined paths of the village. If you’re in the competitive spirit, participate in their Pumpkin Whoopie Pie filling Contest to test your skills.

Fairs & Farm Shows | All Month
September brings fairs and farm shows to the communities throughout the county. Time for funnel cakes, Ferris wheels, farm animals, and fun! Enjoy the brisk evening air as you stroll down the midway at the following fairs this month: York (September 8-17), Denver (September 12-16), Solanco (September 20-22), Ephrata (September 26-30), and West Lampeter (September 27-29).

Where will you be for the Great American Eclipse? On August 21, people across America will get the chance to see a total solar eclipse for the first time since 1979. This celestial event takes place when the sun, moon, and earth line up, causing the moon to cast a shadow on Earth. In Lancaster, it is estimated that about 76% of the sun will be covered at the peak of the eclipse.

If you can’t make it to a location on the line of totality, and happen to be in Lancaster, there are a couple of great places to catch eclipse coverage and learn about this rare happening.

Muddy Run Observatory:From noon to 4:00 PM, observers can view the eclipse through solar telescopes or through a pair of solar eye glasses (limited number available). Presentations, activities for kids, solar system tours, and energy and nature displays will be ongoing throughout the event. There is no fee to attend or park.

North Museum of Nature and Science:The Solar Eclipse Spectacular at North Museum will be an out-of-this-world way for families to experience this solar event. Throughout the day, there will be themed activities, a sundial display, and a live webcast of the total solar eclipse. Special shows, Eclipse across America and Accidental Astronauts, will be available in the planetarium for an additional fee.

Tom + Chee:
While you’re out and about, stop by Tom + Chee for Buy One, Get One Free grilled cheese sandwiches and melts. The promotion runs from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, making it an ideal lunch stop. Orders can be placed in store or by phone.

Where ever you decide to view this cosmic event, be sure to practice safe viewing habits by wearing solar eclipse shades, and not starting directly at the sun.

Hey Lancaster locals – with the kids going back to school at the end of the month, it’s time to gear up for another year of learning. Once you’ve collected your school supplies, stock up on great lunch ideas to keep your kids full and focused.

If your goal for this school year is to break away from the PB & J, try packing some of these local items in your child’s lunch for an authentic, nutritious, and most importantly, kid-friendly Lancaster County mid-day meal.

1] Rolling up turkey or ham is a great alternative to PB & J, and easy for little ones to eat.
(Stoltzfus Meats & Deli)

10] Splash in Duke’s Lagoon at Dutch Wonderland®.This water playground is great for kids 12 and under especially on a hot day.
11] Take your family out to the ball game to see the Lancaster Barnstormers.Fireworks and concerts after select games.

It’s time to shake off cabin fever and explore all that Lancaster, PA has to offer during the spring. Whether you prefer the great outdoors, al fresco dining, or themed festivals, there’s something for everyone this season.